Cyprus and China forge new trade and investment deals
The Cyprus–China Business and Interregional Exchange and Cooperation Forum took place on October 27 at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nicosia. Organized by the Chinese Embassy and the Cyprus–China Business Association, the event gathered business leaders, government officials, and institutional representatives to explore investments, trade, and sector-specific partnerships between the two nations.
Building Stronger Economic Connections
Philokypros Roussounides, secretary general of the CCCI, stated that the long-standing relationship between Cyprus and China provides a solid foundation for further collaboration. He pointed to China’s expertise in technology, innovation, and manufacturing as key opportunities for Cypriot companies. At the same time, Cyprus’s EU membership, strategic location, and business-friendly policies were framed as strong incentives for Chinese investors.
Among the sectors discussed, tourism stood out as a priority. The forum showcased a planned agreement between Cypriot travel agency Top Kinisis and Zhejiang Overseas (Ningbo) International Travel Service Co., positioning it as a model for future commercial ties. This deal reflects rising interest in deepening tourism connections between the two countries.
Cyprus’s Role as a European Bridge
Yang Yundong, the Chinese ambassador, and Theodoros Parperis, president of the Cyprus–China Business Association, both emphasized Cyprus’s position as a critical link between China and the European Union. Ambassador Yang focused on practical cooperation in areas such as city partnerships, tourism, and technology, while Parperis highlighted growing momentum in bilateral trade and new commercial opportunities.
The forum explored how this positioning could accelerate trade and investment flows.
Representatives from Chinese cities, including officials from Yancheng, Dazhou, and Ningbo, outlined regional priorities in green energy, digital innovation, manufacturing, and supply chains. Cypriot officials, including Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras and Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, expressed interest in joint projects covering shipping, education, financial services, and smart city development.
Additional discussions covered technical exchanges in urban planning, innovation hubs, and cultural preservation, reflecting broader efforts to align municipal and business-level cooperation.
Key Speakers and Delegation Representation at the Forum
Attendees from China included Wang Rong, Director General of the Standing Committee of the Yancheng Municipal People’s Congress, Yan Xiaoping from the Dazhou Municipal Committee, and Jiao Shuanglin, Deputy Director General of the Ningbo Foreign Affairs Office.
Networking and Next Steps
The forum concluded with business-to-business meetings, allowing Cypriot and Chinese companies to explore direct partnerships. These efforts align with broader goals to expand Cyprus’s global business presence and strengthen economic ties with China.
